Creatively Inspired Series: McKay Pittman

The Creatively Inspired Interview Series features some incredibly inspiring creative entrepreneurs that are sharing with you a little about themselves and their business. I deeply admire each of these women and how they run their businesses as well as live their lives. They have uniquely found a way to find success with their own business while finding joy in their personal life at the same time. I hope this series inspires you to find joy and inspiration in your own life, business, or career. Whether you are a business owner, stay at home mom, or someone finding their way in the world, my hope is that the stories of these creative entrepreneurs touch you for where you are at in your own life.

Today we are getting to know Mckay Pittman of Oatmeal Lace. Meet McKay:

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THIS BUSINESS?

I wanted to give my bridesmaids a custom gift that they would use long after my wedding day, and something that I made myself, so decided I was going to learn how to sew clutches. The response I got after making them through a photo my wedding photographer took inspired me to open my etsy shop and 4 years later, here we are!

WHY ARE YOU IN BUSINESS?

People always talk about finding their passion. I never felt like I could join in those conversations and was always a little embarrassed that if someone asked me I’d be the dummy saying ‘I don’t know’. Working with so many lovely people since that day has taught me that I have something to share and that I WANT to share. Creating has been eye opening for me and introduced me to a side of myself I never knew existed. Crazy but true. I feel more alive now than I ever did before. Thank you, wedding world!!!

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My husband. He is the hardest worker I know and has been my biggest supporter since day one, even when I had no idea what I was doing.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED THROUGH MAKING A MISTAKE?

I can’t do everything (see fav quote below). Things inevitably slip through the cracks if you don’t have some sort of help and although I tend to try to do everything myself I’ve learned that accepting help where it is offered (even reluctantly) is one of the best things you can do to keep your own sanity.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM SOMEONE YOU ADMIRE IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY?

If you’re willing to put in the work, you will reap the reward. Might take awhile or not be in the exact form you thought but it will come. I’m lucky enough to know Emily Ley in person (if you don’t know her you should) and experience the fire and drive she brings to her business and life on a daily level. If she isn’t a testament to what you can do with a little bit of luck, strong faith in herself and a wide open heart to the Lord I don’t know who is!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST REGRET IN YOUR BUSINESS?

Doubting myself. I’m my worst critic, and sometimes I don’t give myself enough credit for what I can do. I’ve been working really hard at focusing more on the ‘can’ than the ‘can’t’ these days.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT IN YOUR BUSINESS?

Kind of silly, but it’s probably the first positive feedback I got on etsy. To have a bride tell me just how much the clutches meant to her and her bridesmaids just made me feel all warm on the inside. And it never gets old- anytime I get positive feedback I just want to go through the screen and give them a big fat hug.

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT KEEP YOU MOTIVATED?

My husband, my son and myself. I want to stay true to my family and help provide for us all. It was such an awesome thing to be able to stay at home after beckett was born. We spent many a night discussing family finances and what we needed to do to make it happen before he was here. Joey never doubted me for one moment and I’m so glad that something I love so much contributes to our family’s daily life. I’m high fiving myself right now because three years ago I never in my wildest dreams would imagine us being HERE.

What is on your desk right now?

A pile of fabric! Underneath that is my computer, sewing machine and 15 pairs of scissors. What is your favorite quote or bible verse? ‘You can do anything but you can’t do everything.’ I have never been a very good delegator and don’t like asking for help. This has been one of my biggest learning curves in business.

What is your favorite color?

Green! All shades except for puke color. Haha.

What is your favorite pattern?

Ooh hard! I see so many great ones every day- but I’m always drawn to stripes. My closet is testament to this!

What is one thing that always makes you laugh?

Without fail, my son. He loves being silly (especially for an audience) so we spend a lot of time laughing.

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring creative entrepreneurs?

Go ugly early. I was given this advice when I first started and I’m glad I followed it. Otherwise I would’ve spent so much time getting everything perfect, second guessing my decisions, etc. that I may never have started at all!